Premio Ancalau

A village festival that rewards those who dare

The Premio Ancalau is one of the most original events in Piedmont: in Bosia, a village of a few hundred souls perched in the Alta Langa, in the province of Cuneo and just a handful of kilometers from Alba, the courage of those who have an idea and try to make it happen is celebrated every year. The term ancalau, in the Langhe dialect, literally means "one who dares": a tribute to the entrepreneurial and tenacious spirit that has made this land of wine and hazelnuts famous.

Two souls in a single day

The event, created in 2014 by the Ancalau Cultural Association, succeeds in the feat of bringing together two worlds that usually do not meet. On one side, there is the popular festival, with plenty of food, music, and the joyful atmosphere typical of Langhe celebrations. On the other, there is a cultural event of national importance, vibrant and dynamic, which brings entrepreneurs, academics, and young innovators from all over Italy to Bosia.

The Tournament of Ideas

The centerpiece of the award is the Tournament of Ideas, a true competition for startups aimed at young people between 18 and 35 residing in Italy. The projects span nine key sectors of Italian competitiveness, from the environment and sustainability to evolutionary technologies, innovative services, tourism, and agri-food. A total prize pool of 20,000 euros is up for grabs, judged by an exceptional jury chaired by Oscar Farinetti and composed of personalities from the worlds of economics, venture capital, culture, and media.

The Pantheon of the Langhe

Over the years, Bosia has been enriched with an open-air art gallery: a series of murals dedicated to the Greats of the Langhe, from Luigi Einaudi to Beppe Fenoglio, which makes the village a small open-air pantheon. The award has successfully launched entrepreneurial ventures that have since grown, confirming its status as a reference point for youth innovation and sustainable development in Italy.

A weekend in the Langhe

Attending the Premio Ancalau is also an opportunity to discover the Alta Langa, a UNESCO World Heritage territory made of hills, vineyards, and authentic villages. The event takes place in the Municipality of Bosia, in Piedmont, and is supported by partners such as Fontanafredda, Banca d'Alba, Reale Group, and the Fondazione CRC.